Seismicity causes the most severe loading conditions for tunnel support systems in deep-level South African gold mines. The design of such support systems should therefore incorporate the potential effect of seismicity on support requirements. Unfortunately, this is presently not possible; as such effects have not been adequately quantified. Within the current project, an attempt has been made to address this shortcoming. The main objective of this project is to determine the support performance of various tunnel support systems and components under dynamic loading conditions. Deficiencies in the performance of wire mesh were highlighted in the investigations conducted for this project. Investigations were limited to support systems consisting of yielding tendons, wire mesh and steel ropes (lacing). Part I of this project represents the contribution of CSIR: Miningtek while the contribution of SRK is represented in Part II.